Kept busy this morning, racked my Blackberry Merlot and had a S.G. of 0.992, added sulphite and potassium sorbate (I did mix vigorously) then added the finishing blend (blackberry). then the kieselsol and chitosan. I did degas with the drill and the attachment, but also used the vacuum pump (the one you use to seal the bottle after you open it. A number 7 1/2 bung will fit inside. Pump it up and watch the bubble come. If you shake it (roll it around on edge) the bubbles multiply a hundred fold. Did this a few times, by releasing the pressure and pumping again. This seems to work great (seen it on youtube, I can't help myself). Two weeks or so I can bottle it. NEXT: I started my Diamond, I got from Walkers, S.G. was 1.078, racked it from the hotpack to a plastic carboy and about a gallon of it into a gallon jug. Nutrient and yeast was added. For a hobby I thought I would just do a few times a year, seems to have gotten out of hand. I've got 31 gallons sitting on the table in different stages. And my first Blackberry Merlot is almost gone. IS THIS NORMAL? If anyone notices that I might be doing something wrong, please let me know, as I'm new to all this. My neighbor has been helping me, but every time I walk across the street, I come back with a new hobby. I told him I don't like peas, never have. So he's got these sweet peas, now I'm growing these sweet peas next year. He's thinking of brewing beer next..... And I'm still having fun! 8)